"I cannot tell a lie. I did it. May Heaven strike me blind!"

Melody laughs nervously as she manages to wrap the towel around herself. "Oh, man, that's embarrassing. I can't believe I just flashed you."

"Errr...Sorry for staring," you say sheepishly.

"You...you were staring, Jack?" she asks.

Your heart sinks. She wouldn't have known if you hadn't said. Foot-in-mouth syndrome again. You take a deep breath and hope you're not going to compound the damage with your next words.

Putting a hand on your heart, you say, "I cannot tell a lie. I saw you from the door and I stopped and looked. May Heaven strike me blind if I deserve it!"

Melody giggles. "Nobody's ever compared me with Lady Godiva," she says. Her ears and freckled cheeks still look pink with embarassment, but the crinkle of her smile softens her face beautifully.

You swallow. Godiva was Gia's favorite chocolate. You still have some. You and Melody look at each other quietly for a moment. She brushes her red hair back with one hand. It's still damp at the tips where it trailed in her bubble bath.

You clear your throat. "You feeling tired enough to call it a night? I put your hot water bottle in your bed." You wink. "Or do you want some chocolate first?"

"It depends," Melody says. She puts her hands on her hips, over the towel, and tilts her head sideways. It looks like a playful challenge to you. "Chocolate? What kind of chocolate?" she asks.